The objective of this research study is to evaluate the safety and acceptability of the Shang Ring method of medical male circumcision. The Shang Ring is a new circumcision device with a potential role in the safe and cost-effective delivery of circumcision services. The device, developed in China, consists of two concentric plastic rings. Following a ring penile block, the smaller ring is fitted at the base of the coronal sulcus. The foreskin is everted over the inner ring and the larger outer ring is secured over the inner ring. The foreskin is excised and several nicks are made on the incision line to prevent formation of a constricting, circumferential scab. No suturing is required.

In this study, the investigators will evaluate wound healing of men randomized to removal of the Shang Ring at one of three different points in time (Days 7, 14 or 21). Leaving the device on for 14 or 21 days constitutes extended wear of the device.

The Shang Ring is a sterile device consisting of two concentric medical grade plastic rings: an inner ring with a silicone band and an outer, hinged ring. The inner ring fits inside the outer ring which will lock when snapped together. The Shang Ring comes in multiple sizes. The appropriate size is determined through use of a measuring strip. The man must return to the clinic for device removal. To remove the device, the outer ring locking mechanism is broken open using a tool that is similar to a scalpel handle. Then, a pair of special scissors, specifically designed for this purpose, is used to remove the inner ring after healing

No Intervention: 2

removal of Shang Ring at 14 days

Device: Shang Ring

The Shang Ring is a sterile device consisting of two concentric medical grade plastic rings: an inner ring with a silicone band and an outer, hinged ring. The inner ring fits inside the outer ring which will lock when snapped together. The Shang Ring comes in multiple sizes. The appropriate size is determined through use of a measuring strip. The man must return to the clinic for device removal. To remove the device, the outer ring locking mechanism is broken open using a tool that is similar to a scalpel handle. Then, a pair of special scissors, specifically designed for this purpose, is used to remove the inner ring after healing

No Intervention: 3

removal of Shang Ring at 21 days

Device: Shang Ring

The Shang Ring is a sterile device consisting of two concentric medical grade plastic rings: an inner ring with a silicone band and an outer, hinged ring. The inner ring fits inside the outer ring which will lock when snapped together. The Shang Ring comes in multiple sizes. The appropriate size is determined through use of a measuring strip. The man must return to the clinic for device removal. To remove the device, the outer ring locking mechanism is broken open using a tool that is similar to a scalpel handle. Then, a pair of special scissors, specifically designed for this purpose, is used to remove the inner ring after healing

Detailed Description:

The objective of this research study is to evaluate the safety and acceptability of the Shang Ring method of medical male circumcision. The Shang Ring is a new circumcision device with a potential role in the safe and cost-effective delivery of circumcision services. The device, developed in China, consists of two concentric plastic rings. Following a ring penile block, the smaller ring is fitted at the base of the coronal sulcus. The foreskin is everted over the inner ring and the larger outer ring is secured over the inner ring. The foreskin is excised and several nicks are made on the incision line to prevent formation of a constricting, circumferential scab. No suturing is required.

In this study, we will evaluate wound healing of men randomized to removal of the Shang Ring at one of three different points in time (Days 7, 14 or 21). Leaving the device on for 14 or 21 days constitutes extended wear of the device.

Although male circumcision has a demonstrated protective effect against HIV transmission, currently available surgical techniques and devices have limitations for widespread deployment in resource-poor areas. High costs and scarcity of trained providers hinder access to male circumcision services in resource-poor areas. Its simple design sets the Shang Ring apart from other male circumcision techniques. The Shang Ring has the potential for safe, effective and inexpensive delivery of male circumcision by trained healthcare personnel in HIV endemic countries.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 54 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Must be aged 18 and 54 years;

Must be uncircumcised (on examination);

Must be in good general health;

Must be HIV sero-negative, with documentation of testing no mor than one week before the procedure;

Must be free of genital ulcerations or other visible signs of STI (on examination);

Must be able to understand study procedures and requirements of study participation;

Must agree to return to the healthcare facility for the full schedule of follow-up visits after his circumcision;

Must freely consent to participate in the study and sign a written informed consent form;

Must have a cell phone or access to a cell phone; and,

Must agree to provide the study staff with an address, phone number, or other locator information while participating in the research study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Has a known allergy or sensitivity to lidocaine or other local anesthesia;

Takes a medication that would be a contraindication for elective surgery, such as an anticoagulant or steroid;

Has an active genital infection, anatomic abnormality or other condition, which in the opinion of the surgeon, prevents the man from undergoing a circumcision;

Has known bleeding/clotting disorder (e.g. hemophilia); and,

Has thalassemia (an inherited autosomal recessive blood disease).

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01247844